If I'd had my way, I would still have been playing NRL.
Coming to the Waratahs was the first time I felt I gained some independence. I was telling my parents I had to go out on my own, and learn and grow, and if I made mistakes, then so be it.
I really want to be a mentor to other Islander kids, because I understand the pressure they are under from their parents.
I grew up as a Mormon.
All the changes that have happened in my career have been since I left the Mormon faith.
We used to do a lot of kick-catch work with Carlton, and it really taught us some great skills catching above our heads, off our chest. Those things I've carried throughout my career and I'm really thankful I got the opportunity to learn that.
Billy Slater was one I used to see do extras after training and his catching technique was unreal, so I really looked up to him and followed.
You don't want to do sevens just for the sake of going to the Olympics. its something you've got to want to do.
It was a really tough transition going from rugby league to AFL.
The whole AFL experience was important for me not only as an athlete but as a person.
For me speed and power is the most important thing on the footy field as well as agility which I work on everyday.
I was lucky enough to play with great platers Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Darren Lockyer and that's where I learned about leadership.
The last thing I want to do is force tries to happen.
I get a huge excitement from seeing the other guys cross the line. It really is a team game rugby, so if we are getting points on the board I am still very happy.
I'm very confident in my own ability but I'm not guaranteed to get a starting spot.
I think probably all of my determination and eagerness to want to play professional sport came from my family.
I probably realized when I was maybe 13 years of age that I could make a living out of playing professional sport and from that time on it was really a goal for me do that as soon as I can.
I get excited when the ball goes up in the air. I try to always get up there... I get a buzz out of it.
There are different reasons why I wanted to try AFL - some of them family reasons and others were more personal ones.
I'm extremely proud to have represented my country. It's truly an honour.
